The Denver Nuggets, the reigning champions, started their title defense on a high note, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 119-107 in a thrilling opening game.
Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets’ star, was in exceptional form, recording a triple-double with 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists. He was well-supported by Jamal Murray, who contributed 21 points to the victory. Michael Porter Jr. also played a significant role with a double-double, scoring 12 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 20 points to the scoreboard, and Aaron Gordon finished with 15.
On the Lakers’ side, LeBron James led the scoring with 21 points, while Taurean Prince added 18 points, and Anthony Davis notched 17, all in the first half. Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell also made solid contributions with 14 and 11 points, respectively.
The Lakers mounted a comeback in the fourth quarter, going on a 13-0 run and cutting the once-18-point deficit to just three points at 87-84. However, Jokic’s impressive plays, including a crucial 3-pointer, allowed the Nuggets to regain control. They sealed the game with key baskets from Murray, Caldwell-Pope, and Gordon, ultimately securing the win.
The Nuggets began the game with great enthusiasm after receiving their championship rings and witnessing their banner being raised to the rafters. They took a six-point lead with a 12-2 run in the first quarter and extended it further. Caldwell-Pope’s 3-pointer made it 27-16, giving Denver a 14-point lead heading into the second quarter.
Reggie Jackson’s timely three-pointer helped the Nuggets maintain a 40-22 lead early in the second quarter, but the Lakers made a comeback, reducing the halftime deficit to 63-54.
Los Angeles showed resilience by cutting the lead to just five points at the beginning of the second half. However, the Nuggets reestablished control and built a 16-point lead late in the third quarter. The Lakers managed to close the gap again by scoring the final nine points of the quarter, with D’Angelo Russell’s 3-pointer making it 87-80 going into the fourth quarter.
In the end, the Denver Nuggets emerged victorious, displaying their determination to defend their championship title in the 2023 season.
